Author's note: this chapter contains reference to abortion and drug use.

Chapter 9

While Red was walking away, all he could think about was turning back, pulling her into his chest and tasting those beautiful lips. Fuck, he never wanted anyone so bad in his whole life. But Minty made it clear that she only wanted to be friends. It broke his heart, but he would take what he could get. His mission lasted for 4 days, and it was successful. When they arrived back, he instantly started to scan the surrounding for her. He spotted her almost immediately. Their eyes met for a second, then she had to rush off to take care of the injured. Later in the evening, he was hanging around the hospital, waiting for her to finish. When she finally came out, she rushed to him and hugged him tight. It was a long hug because neither of them wanted to let go. In the end, Red pulled away. He knew if he didn't, he would overstep her boundaries. They sat down on the stairs and started to talk. Minty could see a darker, bothered look in his eyes. She saw that before and she knew he was thinking of things he saw during his mission. She didn't want to bring it up, so she was trying to distract him by chatting about random things.

- Thank you Minty – he said when they stood up. She didn't need to ask for what. She knew. She just nodded her head and went back to her room.

I was minding my own business in the nursing office when Siobhan came in. She looked at me with more disgust than usual.

- What? If you have something to say, just say it – I said in a confrontational tone.

- Why are you in such a bad mood? I thought you had a good celebration last night.

- Like usual, I have no idea what you are talking about.

- Oh, trouble in paradise? From the way you hugged him yesterday, I would have thought that you were all over him last night.

- You know what? At least I have a chance to be all over him – I could see her face turning red and her nostrils were flaring. I felt content. But she gathered herself quickly.

- Just be careful. You would not want to terminate another pregnancy – and that was the last straw that broke the camel's back as they say. I went up close to her.

- Say that again. Go on. I might be a Catholic, but it is not beyond me to punch a nun in the face – she raised her chin up.

- Oh yeah? Go on then! – before I could do anything the door opened and Sister Mary walked in.

- Ladies, that is enough – she said with a raised voice – follow me. The both of you. Now!

I was sitting in a room inside the church with my hands crossed. On the other side of the table sat Siobhan, staring at me. She was not even blinking which was a bit unnerving. I was Catholic by default but didn't really practice. However, I could have really used some divine intervention right about now. Sister Mary came in and she didn't look too pleased. She sat at the head of the table.

- Ladies – she started – I would like to remind you that such behaviour is not tolerated. Whatever is your disagreement, remember, we are all doing God's work here.

- Yeah, one of us is – Siobhan snarled.

- Sister Siobhan – Sister Mary turned to her – what kind of talk is that? This is unacceptable from a nun. You should know better. I hope I don't have to remind you of the Christian values– yeah Sister Mary, you tell her.

- I think she should be reminded – I said. I mean, she was making my life miserable because a man liked me instead of her. Not very nun-like if you ask me.

- Oh, yeah? It is rich coming from a person who committed sin after sin – I gave her a death stare. Don't you dare bitch.

- Sister Siobhan – Sister Mary started.

- This woman – she said pointing a finger at me – had taken drugs and terminated her pregnancy instead of giving thanks to God for the gift of a child – Sister Mary gasped and put her hands in front of her mouth. And now I saw red. I mean not James. Actual red, the colour.

- Araminta, would you like to say something? – Sister Mary asked, still in shock.

- Oh yeah, I have a few thoughts – with that I pounced across the table on Siobhan, who fell off her chair and we both landed on the floor.

- I told you that in confidence and you backstab me because of a man? – I screamed while pulling her hair.

- You are the backstabber. You have to have everything – I wish I could have seen this fight from someone else's perspective. We must have looked like 14-year-olds fighting over a guy. Except we were. At least Siobhan was. I just wanted to slap her around. In the background I heard Sister Mary screaming and some people, I don't even know who, separated us. We were both breathing heavy, looking at each other. After whoever these people were, were convinced that we are not going to attack each other again, they let go of us. I turned on my heels and marched out of the church. I adjusted my hair and almost bumped into Eve.

- Minty, what have you done? – she asked me concerned.

- Well depends. What have you heard?

- You attacked Sister Siobhan in the church.

- Yeah, that about sums it up – I said nonchalantly like I was punching nuns up every day.

- Minty…..

- Sorry, I don't want to have this discussion – I left her there and quickly made my way back to my room.